Wooster student shot at I-71 rest stop near Columbus

The College has learned that one of our students, Alexander S. Melchert, a first-year from Wisconsin, was shot at a rest stop on northbound I-71 in Delaware County, Ohio around 11 a.m. this morning. He was transported to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, he is in critical condition.

Police pursued the suspect, a standoff ensued, and at approximately 3 p.m., the Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed to Channel 10 in Columbus that the suspect had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Dean of Students Scott Brown is in Columbus. Alexander’s parents are on their way to Ohio. College staff have reached out to his roommate, faculty, and others who live on his hall, and counselors and faith professionals are on hand for support.